The Irish are interested in people and place great value on the
individual. They are naturally courteous, quick-witted and will go
out of their way to welcome visitors to their country. Don't rush
the Irish. Although they work very hard, the Irish are dedicated to
a less stressful lifestyle that allows time for friends and family,
a visit to the pub, a cup of tea, or just a bit of a chat on the
corner. Families are closely-knit and very important to the Irish.

Meeting and Greeting

Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women and children
-- at a business or social gathering. Shake hands again when
leaving.

A firm handshake with eye contact is expected.

Body Language

The Irish are not very physically demonstrative and are not
comfortable with public displays of affection.

The Irish are uncomfortable with loud, aggressive, and
arrogant behavior.

A "Reverse V for victory" gesture is considered obscene.

Corporate Culture

Business is best initiated through a well-connected third
party. Who you know may be vital to your business success.

The Irish are not very time conscious and may not be punctual
for business and social meetings. They have a relaxed sense of
time and may be a little late for meetings. However, a foreigner
should be on time for business meetings.

Business cards are exchanged, but not necessarily immediately
upon meeting.

Irish people tend to be creative and calm in a crisis. They
prefer to improvise rather than follow a rigid plan.

Outwardly the Irish accept authority but inwardly have strong
displeasure in accepting it. They also dislike bureaucracy.

Planning and strategy are short term. Irish tend to be poor in
long-range planning.

Don't be misled by the easy going and amiable attitudes of the
Irish. In negotiations, the Irish are astute and tenacious.

The golf course is a major venue for conducting business in
Ireland.

Dining and Entertainment

Business entertainment is commonly conducted in restaurants.

Business dinners are usually considered more of a social
occasion and a good way to develop relationships.

Spouses may or may not be invited to a business dinner.

The small plate next to a dinner plate is for peelings removed
from boiled potatoes.

For business meetings, men should wear suits or sportcoats and
ties; women should wear suits or dresses and blazers (women wear
pants less often than in America).

Gifts

Gift giving and receiving is unusual in a business setting.
Small gifts may be exchanged, but are not expected, at the
successful conclusion of negotiations.

When invited to someone's home, always bring a small gift for
the hostess. Give flowers (lilies are for religious occasions
only; red and white flowers symbolize death), chocolates, a bottle
of wine or continental cheeses.

Remember the Irish want to do things their way. You will not
succeed if you insist on doing it "your way."

Especially for Women

A foreign woman will be accepted easily in the Irish business
community.

The 'Old Boys Club' still exists. Whom you know is vital to
getting the job done.

It is considered more proper for a woman to order a glass
of beer or stout rather than a pint.

It is acceptable, but may be misconstrued for a foreign woman
to invite an Irishman to dinner. It is best to stick with lunch.

If a woman would like to pay for a meal, she should state so
at the outset.

Adapted from material compiled by Window on
the World, a cross-cultural training and consulting firm. Originally
based on material contained in the "Put Your Best Foot Forward" series
of books by
Mary Murray Bosrock.